About Us
Dental North is a locally owned dental practice providing modern, patient-focused care to the Whangārei community. Our experienced team is committed to high clinical standards, clear communication and making every visit as comfortable and positive as possible.
More about UsMeet the team
Dental North is owned by Megan and James and supported by a dedicated team of dentists, hygienists and support staff. Together, we’re committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a welcoming environment for our Whangārei community.
James Edwards
Dentist
James is a Whangārei local, born and bred, with deep family roots in the community spanning several generations. Having grown up in Whangārei and attended Whangārei Boys’ High School.
Megan McGregor
Dentist
Megan is a Whangārei local, born and bred. Megan worked in Hamilton, then Australia and the UK before returning to Whangarei. Megan attended Otago University and graduated in 1997, with credit.
Ruby Murray
Dentist
Ruby is thrilled to be part of the warm and welcoming team at Dental North. Ruby particularly enjoys building strong, trusting relationships with patients and their whānau, aiming to make every dental visit a positive experience.
Julie Gillingham
Hygienist
Julie is one of our highly skilled and empathetic dental hygienists. With over 20 years of experience in the dental field, she is known for her meticulous care and calm, reassuring manner. Originally from Canada, Julie began her career as a dental assistant before completing her Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2011. She furthered her education at the University of Otago in 2012 and now holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontics completed in July 2025, equipping her with advanced expertise in the prevention and management of gum disease. Her approach to dental hygiene is modern and evidence based. Passionate about clinical excellence, Julie is always seeking new opportunities to upskill and expand her knowledge. Julie lives in Maungatapere with her family. Outside the clinic, she’s a talented cook, former owner of Keto Smart Bakes, a keen hockey player, and a dedicated Pilates enthusiast, having even completed her instructor training. We feel incredibly fortunate to have someone as multi talented, driven, and compassionate as Julie on our team.
Maddison Cathcart
Oral Health Therapist
We’re excited to welcome Maddie as the newest member of our hygienist team at Dental North! Born and raised in Whangārei, Maddie attended Whangārei Girls’ High School before heading to Otago to study Oral Health Therapy. Now, she’s delighted to be back in her hometown, working alongside friends and family. Maddie divides her time between Dental North and her role as a community dental therapist. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys escaping to the beautiful Tutukaka Coast.
Chantelle Tindall
Oral Health Therapist
Chantelle is a Northland local, growing up in beautiful Russell, she has lived the past 20+ years in Whangarei. Chantelle began her journey in the health and beauty industry, earning her Beauty Therapy and Electrolysis Diploma. She then transitioned into the dental field, accumulating years of experience, and graduating from AUT with a Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health. Known for her kind nature and positive outlook, Chantelle is passionate about creating a welcoming and reassuring environment for her patients. Understanding that many people find dental visits stressful, she goes the extra mile to ensure every patient feels at ease. She always takes the time to listen and care to specific needs and requirements. In her free time, you will find Chantelle at home with her family, caring for her four children who are her universe.
Alice Morgan
Dental Assistant
Alice has worked as Megan’s Dental Assistant for over 7 years. She is a qualified Dental Assistant (NZDA) and with more than 15 years of dental experience, she is an asset to our team. Her impressive expertise, coupled with her kind and empathetic nature, ensures patients feel at ease during their dental procedures. Alice’s calm, considerate, and humorous disposition is an added benefit to our patients. Alice resides locally, with her husband and three children. She enjoys a range of activities with her sporty family, such as playing hockey, boating, and spending time at the bach. We welcome you to experience first-hand why Megan and Alice are highly regarded as a great team.
Kim Adams
Dental Assistant
Kim’s experience in the dental industry spans over 23 years, during which she has become a qualified Dental Assistant (NZDA). Kim is a proud mum of two boys. Kim and her active family enjoy various activities such as running, mountain biking, and water sports. Kim is well-versed in all aspects of dentistry and can be found at various stations, whether chairside, in the lab/sterilization area, or at the front desk. Her exceptional organizational skills and efficiency are admired by all who work alongside her. With her extensive knowledge, Kim provides valuable support to our team in various capacities. We consider ourselves privileged to have her as a member of our team.
Kenyah Leef
Dental Assistant
James is fortunate to have Kenyah as his compassionate and attentive dental assistant. Kenyah completed her NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting in 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her everyday work, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. Additionally, her previous experience in medical administration allows her to assist the team at the front desk when needed. When not at work, Kenyah finds joy in cultivating fresh vegetables in her garden. She also enjoys spending time at the beach.
Kate Aukett
Receptionist
We are privileged to have Kate as one of the friendly faces at Dental North. With more than 10 years of experience in medical administration, her presence on our team is invaluable. Kate is deeply committed to assisting others and takes pleasure in providing exceptional service to our patients, whether it be on the phone or at the front desk. Kate is a delightful addition to our practice. Kate resides in Whangarei with her family . During her free time, she enjoys exploring the Northland coastline with her loved ones and friends.
Holly van Blommestein
Receptionist
Holly attended Whangarei Girls High School and resides with her close family in Whangarei. Holly has worked as a medical administrator prior to joining our Dental North family. Holly enjoys her reception duties and engaging with our patients, taking exceptional care in all tasks, and is always willing to learn more skills. Spending her leisure time with friends at the beach and Northland’s beautiful coastline is her favourite place to be. And of course, enjoying the company of her newfound work friends with so many social events!
Chanelle Salmon
Receptionist
Chanelle is our newest addition to Dental North’s administration team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. She prioritises exceptional customer service, ensuring every patient feels valued and supported. Chanelle lives in Whangarei with her young family and known by many Northland families as the Club Rugby Coordinator for over 10 years! There is nothing more enjoyable then spending her free time with family and friends. We are thrilled to have Chanelle on board and excited to see the enthusiasm and energy she brings to our team.
Keely Berghan
Receptionist and Dental Assistant
Keely completed her NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting in 2021 and has since gained experience in both reception and chairside assisting. She enjoys working across both roles and brings versatility and strong patient-care skills to every part of the practice. Keely is someone who enjoys the simple things in life—taking long walks with her dog and spending quality time with friends and family. She is happiest outdoors, staying active, and creating memories with the people she loves.
Alia Vink
Dental Assistant
Originally from the Tutukaka Coast, Alia has recently returned to Whangarei after living in Japan. Before joining our team, Alia gained experience in specialist clinics in Auckland and general clinics in Mount Maunganui, accumulating over a decade of experience as a qualified dental assistant (NZDA). Her extensive training and background, combined with her friendly and warm personality brings brightness and laughter to our workplace and adds value and expertise to your patient experience. Alia primarily supports our dentists but you might also find her working in sterilisation. Additionally, Alia frequently lends a hand at the reception desk. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful and versatile individual on our team. Alia loves travelling and going on holidays with her close-knit family and friends. In her spare time Alia frequents the gym and enjoys socialising, beach walks, and boating with her family along the Tutukaka Coast. Alia is currently on Parental Leave.
What people are saying
Friendly, fun and caring!
Megan and Alice, thank you very much for your care. I actually enjoyed coming to the dentist! You are friendly, fun and caring. I will recommend you to all my friends and family.
Jayne
Caring & Professional Team
Thanks Megan and Alice for taking such good care of me and my teeth. You are such a happy, kind, caring and professional team. I loved the music mix too!
Kylie
Family Dentist
Our family choose to see Dr James Edwards because of his sensitive, non-judgmental approach to dentistry. He’s thorough, super gentle and offers solutions that have saved us time, money and stress. Highly recommended.
Vynka
Best Dental Care in Whangārei!
Thank you Megan and Alice – the best Dental care in town! So grateful for getting my teeth done. Excellent service, helpful and friendly.
Rongo
Friendly, polite and professional
I have had extensive dental work over 50 years. James is friendly, polite and professional. He is also the most gentle, quick and high-quality dentist I have experienced.
Peter
Great Service!
Great service! I am terrified of going to the dentist, but they were so lovely and kind and careful. I had a wisdom tooth out by Megan and she did a great job, I didn’t feel a thing. Highly recommend these guys!
Victoria
Dental North: A reason to smile
Welcome to Dental North. A place where people feel comfortable. A place where staff and patients want to be. Where every individual is valued and appreciated. You will be treated like our friends and family. We offer quality dental care that suits your needs. We would love to meet you!
At Dental North, we offer a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry including comprehensive dental check ups, fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns and bridges, dentures, ACC, Dental benefits, WINZ treatment and teeth whitening. We welcome the whole family.
Patients who come to Dental North find that they are treated in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. The equipment is modern and this makes the experience easier. The staff are welcoming and experts in what they do. We are local and we care.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalised dental care in an environment that fosters total care and respect for you. Our philosophy is to treat you like we would our friend or family member.
With a passion and commitment for ongoing education, our team provide the safest, most modern and up-to-date advice and service. Our dentists are all members of the NZ dental association. We regularly attend courses and ensure that we are up date with the latest research and techniques available. When we buy materials, we always apply our philosophy of how we would treat our friends and family.
